One-lined pencilfish

Nannostomus unifasciatus

One dark stripe along a silver body that often swims head-up

The slender body has a small adipose fin and local red-black tail colour. It lacks a prominent upper-tail eyespot.

Native range: Native to parts of the Amazon basin, the upper Orinoco in Venezuela and waters of Guyana.

Natural habitat: Slow tributaries, small rivers and swamps, entering flooded forest and grassland seasonally and using sheltered areas rich in wood and leaf debris.

Small-mouthed, timid fish can be chased or outcompeted. It may jump when pursued; provide cover and prevent escape.

Appearance and identification

Compare the single main stripe with eques' spotted rows. Tail eyespots vary among populations and cannot decide identity alone.

Keep ten or more; check for suppression and missed feeding.

A 75 × 30 cm base with planting and swimming room.

Provide fine dry foods and small frozen or live foods.

Check companion size, activity and feeding pressure.

Use planted and floating shelter with gentle flow and stable water.

Sources